Beardsley students explore Long Island Sound

Published 3:53 pm, Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Students in Meghan Esteva’s 6th grade science class at Bridgeport’s Beardsley School prepare to embark on an educational sail on the schooner, SoundWaters, from Captain’s Cove Marina.

Students in Meghan Esteva’s 6th grade science class at Bridgeport’s Beardsley School prepare to embark on an educational sail on the schooner, SoundWaters, from Captain’s Cove Marina.

Photo: Submitted By Bob Mazzone

Beardsley students explore Long Island Sound

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Students from Beardsley School in Bridgeport discovered that there is no better way to study Long Island Sound than to experience it firsthand. Ms. Meghan Esteva, 6th grade science teacher at Beardsley, took her students aboard the 80-foot, three-masted schooner SoundWaters for a unique hands-on learning experience focused on grade appropriate STEM.

During their three-hour sail, Beardsley students performed experiments using real science equipment, like a LaMotte bottle which scientists use to collect water samples at various depths. The students used their math skills to count plankton populations as an indication of the health of the Sound and learned about nautical engineering as they hoisted the sails, charted their sailing route and piloted the ship. The data collected by the students will not only be examined further in their classroom, it will be forwarded to the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for inclusion in studies that monitor the health of Long Island Sound.

““The experience offered aboard the Schooner SoundWaters is like no other! It is our favorite field trip of the year! The expertise of the Captain and crew is exemplary and our students come away having learned so much about Long Island Sound. The experience enriches our student's lives and inspires them to be more active participants in taking care of their seashore community. This hands-on learning adventure is exceptional and we look forward to bringing future students for many years to come,” said Ms. Esteva.

Schooner SoundWaters, the teaching vessel of Long Island Sound sailed with over 200 Bridgeport students throughout October, including students from Jettie S. Tisdale, Black Rock, Curiale, and Waltersville Elementary as well as the Cardinal Shehan Center. The program is funded in part by a grant from Sikorsky Aircraft and SoundWaters scholarship fund. The schooner is docked at Captain’s Cove Seaport in Bridgeport, generously donated by the marina manager, Bruce Williams, a longtime supporter of SoundWaters’ mission of protecting Long Island though education.